Methods of using and smartphone event notification utilizing an energizable ophthalmic lens with a smartphone event indicator mechanism

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides methods of notifying a user of a smartphone event through use of an energizable ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the smartphone may be paired with a specified ophthalmic lens, wherein the pairing may limit wireless communication to communication between the two specified devices. The smartphone may transmit smartphone event data, which may activate an indicator in the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the user may respond to the notification of the smartphone event. The response may trigger an internal action within the ophthalmic lens, or the response may be transmitted to the smartphone, triggering an action in the smartphone. The present invention further describes a method of using an ophthalmic lens with a smartphone event indicator, including methods of pairing an ophthalmic lens with the specified smartphone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention describes methods and devices related to anenergizable ophthalmic lens with a smartphone event indicator. Morespecifically, the smartphone event indicator may be activated by awireless reception of smartphone event data from a specified smartphone.The energizable ophthalmic lens may be capable of transmitting responsedata back to the smartphone, which may trigger a predefined action inthe smartphone.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Traditionally, an ophthalmic device, such as a contact lens, anintraocular lens, or a punctal plug included a biocompatible device witha corrective, cosmetic, or therapeutic quality. A contact lens, forexample, may provide one or more of vision correcting functionality,cosmetic enhancement, and therapeutic effects. Each function is providedby a physical characteristic of the lens. A design incorporating arefractive quality into a lens may provide a vision corrective function.A pigment incorporated into the lens may provide a cosmetic enhancement.An active agent incorporated into a lens may provide a therapeuticfunctionality, for example, treating glaucoma. Such physicalcharacteristics may be accomplished without the lens entering into anenergized state.

More recently, active components have been included in ophthalmiclenses, and the inclusion may involve the incorporation of energizingelements within the ophthalmic device. The relatively complicatedcomponents to accomplish this effect may derive improved characteristicsby including them in insert devices which are then included withstandard or similar materials useful in the fabrication of state of theart ophthalmic lenses.

Also recently, smartphones have become increasingly prevalent. Thepopularity of smartphones has prompted a surge in the demand for mobileapplications, accessories, and devices that interact with thesmartphones. Many mobile accessories utilize wireless communicationbetween the smartphone and the mobile accessory. Wireless communicationallows for effective interaction without the inconvenience of wiredattachment to the smartphone. Frequently, mobile accessories, such asBluetooth headsets, are modified embodiments of devices familiar toconsumers. Such familiarity allows for ease of use without requiringextensive instruction.

It may be desirable to improve the process, methods, and resultingdevices for realizing ophthalmic lenses with smartphone event indicatorsof various kinds. It may be anticipated that some of the solutions forsmartphone event indicators in energizable ophthalmic lenses may providenovel aspects for non-energized devices and other biomedical devices.Accordingly, novel methods and devices relating to wirelesscommunication capabilities with a smartphone in an ophthalmic lens aretherefore desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The methods and devices for wireless communication between communicationdevices and powered ophthalmic lenses in accordance with the presentinvention overcomes the disadvantages and/or limitations associated withthe prior art as briefly described above.

In accordance with one aspect, the present invention is directed to amethod of notifying a user of a smartphone event. An energizable orpowered ophthalmic lens is configured to produce the notifying event.The method comprises the steps of wirelessly receiving, at anenergizable ophthalmic lens, a transmission of smartphone event datafrom a predefined source smartphone, activating the notificationmechanism based on the transmission of smartphone event data, anddeactivating the notification mechanism. The energizable ophthalmic lenscomprising a notification mechanism capable of notifying a user of asmartphone event, a receiver capable of wirelessly receiving smartphoneevent data, wherein the receiver is in electrical communication with thenotification mechanism, conductive traces capable of electricallyconnecting the notification mechanism and the receiver, and a soft lensportion capable of encapsulating the notification mechanism and thereceiver.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed toa method of utilizing an ophthalmic lens that is capable of notifyingthe user of a smartphone event. The method comprises the steps ofplacing the energizable ophthalmic lens on an eye and receiving asmartphone event notification. The energizable ophthalmic lenscomprising a notification mechanism capable of notifying a user of asmartphone event, a receiver capable of wirelessly receiving smartphoneevent data, wherein the receiver is in electrical communication with thenotification mechanism, conductive traces capable of electricallyconnecting the notification mechanism and the receiver, and a soft lensportion capable of encapsulating the notification mechanism and thereceiver.

The methods and devices of the present invention provide a means forcost effective communication between an energizable ophthalmic lens anda device such as a smartphone. As common devices, for example, a smartphone, are widely utilized, the present invention is simple to learn andoperate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the following, more particular description of preferredembodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary embodiments of an energizable ophthalmiclens with a smartphone event indicator, wherein the energizableophthalmic lens may be capable of wirelessly receiving event data from asmartphone.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communicationfrom a smartphone to an energizable ophthalmic lens on an eye, whereinthe energizable ophthalmic lens may be capable of wirelessly receivingevent data from a smartphone.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communicationbetween a smartphone to an energizable ophthalmic lens on an eye,wherein the energizable ophthalmic lens may be capable of wirelesslyreceiving event data from a smartphone and wirelessly transmittingresponse data to the smartphone.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process flowchart for smartphone eventnotification, wherein the energizable ophthalmic lens may be capable ofwirelessly receiving event data from a smartphone.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process flowchart for smartphone eventnotification, wherein the energizable ophthalmic lens may be capable ofwirelessly receiving event data from a smartphone and wirelesslytransmitting response data to the smartphone.

FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary method steps for notifying a user of asmartphone event through use of an energizable ophthalmic lens.

FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary method steps for using an energizableophthalmic lens with a smartphone event indicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention describes an energizable ophthalmic lens with asmartphone event indicator that may be activated through wirelesscommunication with a smartphone. In general, according to some exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, a smartphone event indicator maybe operatively associated with an energizable ophthalmic lens, such asthose that include a media insert. In some exemplary embodiments, thesmartphone event indicator may be activated when the energizableophthalmic lens wirelessly receives smartphone event data from asmartphone. In such exemplary embodiments, the energizable ophthalmiclens may also be capable of transmitting response data back to thesmartphone, wherein the response data may trigger a specified action inthe smartphone.

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of exemplaryembodiments of the present invention are given. The description of bothpreferred and alternate embodiments are exemplary embodiments only, andit is understood that to those skilled in the art that variations,modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to beunderstood that the exemplary embodiments do not limit the scope of theunderlying invention.

GLOSSARY

In the description and claims directed to the presented invention,various terms may be used for which the following definitions willapply:

As used herein, back Curve Piece or Back Insert Piece refers to a solidelement of a multi-piece insert that, when assembled into the insert,will occupy a location on the side of the ophthalmic lens that is on theback. In an ophthalmic device, such a piece would be located on the sideof the insert that would be closer to the wearer's eye surface. In someexemplary embodiments, the back curve piece may include a region in thecenter of an ophthalmic device through which light may proceed into thewearer's eye. This region may be called an optical zone. In otherexemplary embodiments, the piece may take an annular shape where it doesnot include some or all of the regions in the optical zone. In someexemplary embodiments of an ophthalmic insert, there may be multipleback curve pieces, and one of them may include the optical zone, whileothers may be annular or portions of an annulus.

As used herein, Component refers to a device capable of drawingelectrical current from an energy source to perform one or more of achange of logical state or physical state.

As used herein, Deposit refers to any application of material,including, for example, a coating or a film.

As used herein, Electrical Communication refers to being influenced byan electrical field. In the case of conductive materials, the influencemay result from or in the flow of electrical current. In othermaterials, it may be an electrical potential field that causes aninfluence, such as the tendency to orient permanent and inducedmolecular dipoles along field lines as an example.

As used herein, Encapsulate refers to creating a barrier to separate anentity, for example, a media insert, from an environment adjacent to theentity.

As used herein, Encapsulant refers to a layer formed surrounding anentity, for example, a media insert, that creates a barrier to separatethe entity from an environment adjacent to the entity. Exemplaryencapsulants comprise silicone hydrogels, such as Etafilcon, Galyfilcon,Narafilcon, and Senofilcon, or other hydrogel contact lens material. Insome exemplary embodiments, an encapsulant may be semipermeable tocontain specified substances within the entity and preventing specifiedsubstances, such as, water, from entering the entity.

As used herein, Energized refers to the state of being able to supplyelectrical current to or to have electrical energy stored within.

As used herein, Energized Orientation refers to the orientation of themolecules of a liquid crystal when influenced by an effect of apotential field powered by an energy source. For example, a devicecomprising liquid crystals may have one energized orientation if theenergy source operates as either on or off. In other exemplaryembodiments, the energized orientation may change along a scale affectedby the amount of energy applied.

As used herein, Energy refers to the capacity of a physical system to dowork. Many uses within the present invention may relate to the capacityof being able to perform electrical actions in doing work.

As used herein, Energy Harvesters refers to devices capable ofextracting energy from the environment and converting it to electricalenergy.

As used herein, Energy Source refers to any device or layer that iscapable of supplying energy or placing a logical or electrical device inenergized state.

As used herein, Event refers to a defined set of parameters, such as,for example, a biomarker level, energization level, pH level, or avisual recognition of a particular object. An event may be specific to awearer, such as a level of medication, or may be generally applicable toall wearers, such as temperature.

As used herein, Front Curve Piece or Front Insert Piece refers to asolid element of a multi-piece rigid insert or media insert that, whenassembled into the insert, will occupy a location on the side of theophthalmic lens that is on the front. In an ophthalmic device, such apiece would be located on the side of the insert that would be furtherfrom the wearer's eye surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the piecemay include a region in the center of an ophthalmic device through whichlight may proceed into the wearer's eye. This region may be called theoptical zone. In other exemplary embodiments, the piece may take anannular shape where it does not include some or all of the regions inthe optical zone. In some exemplary embodiments of an ophthalmic insert,there may be multiple front curve pieces, and one of them may includethe optical zone, while others may be annular or portions of an annulus.

As used herein, Functionalized refers to making a layer or device ableto perform a function including for example, energization, activation,or control.

As used herein, Insert Piece refers to a solid element of a multi-piecerigid insert or media insert that may be assembled into the rigid insertor media insert. In an ophthalmic device, an insert piece may include aregion in the center of an ophthalmic device through which light mayproceed into the user's eye. This region may be called an optic zone. Inother exemplary embodiments, the piece may take an annular shape whereit does not include some or all of the regions in the optical zone. Insome exemplary embodiments, a rigid insert or media insert may comprisemultiple insert pieces, wherein some insert pieces may include the opticzone and other insert pieces may be annular or portions of an annulus.

As used herein, Ophthalmic lens or ophthalmic device or lens refers toany device that resides in or on the eye. The device may provide opticalcorrection, may be cosmetic, or provide some functionality unrelated tooptic quality. For example, the term lens may refer to a contact lens,intraocular lens, overlay lens, ocular insert, optical insert, or othersimilar device through which vision is corrected or modified, or throughwhich eye physiology is cosmetically enhanced (e.g. iris color) withoutimpeding vision. Alternately, lens may refer to a device that may beplaced on the eye with a function other than vision correction, forexample, monitoring of a constituent of tear fluid or means ofadministering an active agent. In some embodiments, the preferred lensesof the invention may be soft contact lenses that are made from siliconeelastomers or hydrogels, which may include, for example, siliconehydrogels and fluorohydrogels.

As used herein, Lens-Forming Mixture or Reactive Mixture or RMM refersto a monomeric composition and/or prepolymer material that may be curedand cross-linked or cross-linked to form an ophthalmic lens. Variousexemplary embodiments may include lens-forming mixtures with one or moreadditives such as UV blockers, tints, diluents, photoinitiators, orcatalysts, and other additives that may be useful in an ophthalmiclenses such as, contact or intraocular lenses.

As used herein, Lens-Forming Surface refers to a surface that may beused to mold a lens. In some exemplary embodiments, any such surface mayhave an optical quality surface finish, which indicates that it issufficiently smooth and formed so that a lens surface fashioned by thepolymerization of a lens forming material in contact with the moldingsurface is optically acceptable. Further, in some exemplary embodiments,the lens-forming surface may have a geometry that may be necessary toimpart to the lens surface the desired optical characteristics,including, for example, spherical, aspherical and cylinder power, wavefront aberration correction, and corneal topography correction.

As used herein, Liquid Crystal refers to a state of matter havingproperties between a conventional liquid and a solid crystal. A liquidcrystal cannot be characterized as a solid but its molecules exhibitsome degree of alignment. As used herein, a liquid crystal is notlimited to a particular phase or structure, but a liquid crystal mayhave a specific resting orientation. The orientation and phases of aliquid crystal may be manipulated by external forces, for example,temperature, magnetism, or electricity, depending on the class of liquidcrystal.

As used herein, Media Insert refers to an encapsulated insert that willbe included in an energized ophthalmic device. The energization elementsand circuitry may be embedded in the media insert. The media insertdefines the primary purpose of the energized ophthalmic device. Forexample, in exemplary embodiments where the energized ophthalmic deviceallows the user to adjust the optic power, the media insert may includeenergization elements that control a liquid meniscus portion in theoptical zone. Alternately, a media insert may be annular so that theoptical zone is void of material. In such exemplary embodiments, theenergized function of the lens may not be optic quality but may be, forexample, monitoring glucose or administering medicine.

As used herein, Mold refers to a rigid or semi-rigid object that may beused to form lenses from uncured formulations. Some preferred moldsinclude two mold parts forming a front curve mold part and a back curvemold part, each mold part having at least one acceptable lens-formingsurface.

As used herein, Optic Zone refers to an area of an ophthalmic lensthrough which a user of the ophthalmic lens sees.

As used herein, Pairing refers to an action that allows a specifiedsmartphone to recognize a specific energizable ophthalmic lens. Apairing may prevent an energizable ophthalmic lens from unintentionallycommunicating with an unpaired smartphone, or a pairing may ensurecommunication between the energizable ophthalmic lens and the intendedsmartphone. Pairing may occur on eye or prior to use or, in someaspects, may comprise a multistep process occurring both on eye andprior to use. Pairing techniques may include, for example, Bluetoothprofile synchronization or radio frequency identification interrogationand response.

As used herein, Precure refers to a process that partially cures amixture. In some exemplary embodiments, a precuring process may comprisea shortened period of the full curing process. Alternately, theprecuring process may comprise a unique process, for example, byexposing the mixture to different temperatures and wavelengths of lightthan may be used to fully cure the material.

As used herein, Predose refers to the initial deposition of material ina quantity that is less than the full amount that may be necessary forthe completion of the process. For example, a predose may include aquarter of the necessary substance.

As used herein, Postdose refers to a deposition of material in theremaining quantity after the predose that may be necessary for thecompletion of the process. For example, where the predose includes aquarter of the necessary substance, a subsequent postdose may providethe remaining three quarters of the substance.

As used herein, Power refers to work done or energy transferred per unitof time.

As used herein, Rechargeable or Re-energizable refers to a capability ofbeing restored to a state with higher capacity to do work. Many useswithin the present invention may relate to the capability of beingrestored with the ability to flow electrical current at a certain ratefor certain, reestablished time periods.

As used herein, Reenergize or Recharge refers to restoring to a statewith higher capacity to do work. Many uses within the present inventionmay relate to restoring a device to the capability to flow electricalcurrent at a certain rate for certain, reestablished time periods.

As used herein, Released or Released from a Mold refers to a lens thatis either completely separated from the mold or is only loosely attachedso that it may be removed with mild agitation or pushed off with a swab.

As used herein, Rigid Insert refers to an insert that maintains apredefined topography. When included in a contact lens, the rigid insertmay contribute to the functionality and/or modulus of the lens. Forexample, varying topography of or densities within the rigid insert maydefine zones, which may correct vision in users with astigmatism. Therigid insert may be flexible to allow for placement and removal of theophthalmic lens on the eye.

As used herein, Smartphone refers to a mobile phone built on a mobileoperating system. Generally, a smartphone may have more advancedprocessing capabilities than a feature phone.

As used herein, Stabilizing Feature refers to a physical characteristicthat stabilizes an ophthalmic device to a specific orientation on theeye, when the ophthalmic device is placed on the eye. In some exemplaryembodiments, the stabilizing feature may add sufficient mass to ballastthe ophthalmic device. In some exemplary embodiments, the stabilizingfeature may alter the front curve surface, wherein the eyelid may catchthe stabilizing feature and the user may reorient the lens by blinking.Such exemplary embodiments may be enhanced by including stabilizingfeatures that may add mass. In some exemplary embodiments, stabilizingfeatures may be a separate material from the encapsulating biocompatiblematerial, may be an insert formed separately from the molding process,or may be included in the rigid insert or media insert.

As used herein, Substrate Insert refers to a formable or rigid substratethat may be capable of supporting an energy source and may be placed onor within an ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the substrate insertalso supports one or more components.

As used herein, Three-dimensional Surface or Three-dimensional Substraterefers to any surface or substrate that has been three-dimensionallyformed where the topography is designed for a specific purpose, incontrast to a planar surface.

As used herein, Trace refers to a battery component capable ofelectrically connecting the circuit components. For example, circuittraces may include copper or gold when the substrate is a printedcircuit board and may be copper, gold, or printed deposit in a flexcircuit. Traces may also comprise nonmetallic materials, chemicals, ormixtures thereof.

As used herein, Variable Optic refers to the capacity to change anoptical quality, for example, the optical power of a lens or thepolarizing angle.

Ophthalmic Lens

Referring to FIG. 1, exemplary embodiments of an energizable ophthalmiclens 110, 160 with wireless communication capabilities with a smartphoneis illustrated on an eye 100, 150. In some exemplary embodiments, anophthalmic lens 110 may comprise a soft biocompatible portion 114, aprocessor with a receiver 112, a notification mechanism 111, andconductive traces 113. In certain exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmiclens 110 may not comprise a power source, and the ophthalmic lens 110may be powered through a wireless energy transmission mechanism. Forexample, placing the ophthalmic lens 110 in a specified proximity to asmartphone may charge the sensor and the notification mechanism.Alternately, when the smartphone event occurs, the smartphone maywirelessly power the notification mechanism.

The components 111-113 may not be encapsulated in a media insert, andthe soft biocompatible portion 114 may be in direct contact with thecomponents 111-113. In such exemplary embodiments, the softbiocompatible portion 114 may encapsulate the components 111-113. Theencapsulation may suspend them 111-113 at a specific depth within theophthalmic lens 110. Alternately, the components 111-113 may be includedon a substrate insert. The substrate insert may be formed and thecomponents 111-113 may be placed on the substrate prior to the additionof the soft biocompatible portion 114.

An alternate exemplary embodiment of a media insert 155 for an energizedophthalmic device 154 on an eye and a corresponding energized ophthalmicdevice 160 are illustrated. The media insert 155 may comprise an opticzone 165 that may or may not provide a second functionality, including,for example, vision correction. Where the energized function of theophthalmic device is unrelated to vision, the optic zone 165 of themedia insert 155 may be void of material. In some exemplary embodiments,the media insert 155 may include a portion not in the optical zone 165comprising a substrate incorporated with energizing elements, such as apower source 163, and electronic components, such as a processor 162.

In some exemplary embodiments, the power source 163, comprising, forexample, a battery, and a processor 162, including, a semiconductor die,may be attached to the substrate. In some such aspects, conductivetraces 166 may electrically interconnect the electronic components 162,161 and the energization elements 163.

In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 162 may be programmed toestablish the parameters of the functionality of the ophthalmic lens160. For example, where the ophthalmic lens 160 comprises a variableoptic portion in the optical zone 120, the processor may be programmedto set the energized optical power. Such an embodiment may allow formass production of media inserts that have the same composition butinclude uniquely programmed processors.

The processor may be programmed before the encapsulation of theelectrical components 161-163, 165, 166 within the media insert 155.Alternately, the processor 162 may be programmed wirelessly afterencapsulation. Wireless programming may allow for customization afterthe manufacturing process, for example, through a programming apparatus.

In some exemplary embodiments, the media insert 155 may further comprisea receiver 161, which may sense and wirelessly receive event data from asmartphone. The receiver 161 may be in electrical communication, such asthrough the conductive traces 166, with the processor 162 and the powersource 163.

For illustrative purposes, the media insert 155 is shown in an annularembodiment, which may not include a portion in the optical zone 165.However, where a functionality of the media insert 155 may be related tovision, the media insert 155 may include an energizable element withinthe optical zone 165. For example, the media insert 155 may comprise avariable optic portion, wherein the media insert 155 may providemultiple powers of vision correction based on different energizationlevels.

The media insert 155 may be fully encapsulated to protect and containthe energization elements 163, traces 166, and electronic components162. In some exemplary embodiments, the encapsulating material may besemi-permeable, for example, to prevent specific substances, such aswater, from entering the media insert 155 and to allow specificsubstances, such as ambient gasses or the byproducts of reactions withinenergization elements, to penetrate or escape from the media insert 155.

In some exemplary embodiments, the media insert 155 may be included inan ophthalmic device 160, which may comprise a polymeric biocompatiblematerial. The ophthalmic device 160 may include a rigid center, softskirt design wherein a central rigid optical element comprises the mediainsert 155. In some specific exemplary embodiments, the media insert 150may be in direct contact with the atmosphere and the corneal surface onrespective anterior and posterior surfaces, or alternately, the mediainsert 155 may be encapsulated in the ophthalmic device 160. Theperiphery 164 of the ophthalmic device 160 may be a soft skirt material,including, for example, a polymerized reactive monomer mixture, such asa hydrogel material.

Referring to FIG. 2, exemplary embodiments of wireless communicationfrom a smartphone to an energizable ophthalmic lens on an eye areillustrated. In some exemplary embodiments 200, a smartphone 205 maytransmit event data 206, based on the occurrence of a predefinedsmartphone event, to a receiver 202 on the ophthalmic lens 204. Thetransmitted event data 206 may trigger an activation of the notificationmechanism 201. For example, as shown, the notification mechanism maycomprise a light source, wherein the event 206 prompts illumination. Insuch exemplary embodiments, the light source may be directed at the eye.Alternately, the light source may be directed into the ophthalmic lens204, wherein the ophthalmic lens 204 may reflect or disperse the light.An indirectly visible light may soften the light to a glow, which may beless jarring visually.

In some alternate exemplary embodiments of the system 250, thesmartphone 255 may include a transmission adapter 257, which may allowthe smartphone 255 to wirelessly transmit the smartphone event data 256to the receiver 252. The receipt of the smartphone event data 256 mayactivate a vibration notification mechanism 251. The notificationmechanism 251 may comprise a vibration generation device for providingmechanical movement, including, for example, a piezoelectric device.

Such a mechanism may be more jarring than a light source. Accordingly, avibration generation embodiment may be preferable where the event 256may require an affirmative action, such as blink recognition of thenotification. Some exemplary embodiments may include multiplenotification types. For example, the default notification may be aflashing light, and the user may assign the vibration notification to aspecific event, including, for example, a phone call or text messagefrom a specific contact or appointment reminders.

In still further exemplary embodiments, the notification mechanism 251may comprise a sound generation device, wherein the sound may be audibleto the user, such as, for example, through bone conduction. The soundmay be audible based on the proximity of the eye to the skull throughthe eye socket, wherein the bones of the skull may direct the sound tothe cochlea. In some such aspects, the sound generation device maycomprise a transducer, wherein the transducer may convert the wirelesslyreceived data to an acoustic output.

The sound may be determined by the notification mechanism, whereinsmartphone event data may trigger a preprogrammed sound, such as a beep.Alternately, the smartphone event data may include the specific ringtoneor sound associated with that smartphone event. In such exemplaryembodiments, the notification mechanism may generate the specificringtone or sound, allowing the user to discern between callers orevents, even while the smartphone may be on a silent setting.

For illustrative purposes, in the exemplary embodiment where thenotification mechanism 201 comprises a light source, the energizableelements 201-203 are shown as components separately encapsulated in theophthalmic lens 204. In the alternate exemplary embodiments where thenotification mechanism 251 comprises a vibration alert, the energizableelements 251, 252 are shown as components of a media insert 253.However, variations in notification mechanisms may not be limited to theillustrated embodiments, other exemplary embodiments may be practicaland should be considered within the scope of the inventive art.

The smartphone and the ophthalmic lens may comprise complementarycommunication protocols enabling the two devices to wirelesslycommunicate. In some exemplary embodiments, the communication protocolmay comprise a non-typical technology for a smartphone, including, forexample, infrared, and the functioning may rely on proximity, which maylimit inadvertent wireless communication with unintended smartphones. Insuch exemplary embodiments, the non-typical technology may bespecifically equipped on the smartphone through additional hardware,including, for example, a transmission adapter 257.

As an illustrative example, the transmission adapter 257 may allow thesmartphone 255 to transmit the smartphone event data 256 through aninfrared transmission to the receiver 252. Prior to use, thetransmission adapter 257 may be paired with the specific ophthalmic lens204/254, for example, where the transmission adapter is calibrated tospecific infrared wavelengths or pulse patterns.

Other aspects may allow pairing between the ophthalmic lens and thesmartphone through technology typically included in a standardsmartphone, such as, for example, Bluetooth technology. Unlike infrared,Bluetooth technology is relatively common in smartphones, andsynchronization may not require additional hardware.

The communication protocol may comprise a low power embodiment,including, for example, ANT or ZigBee technology. This may allow theophthalmic lens to periodically sample the environment for thesmartphone event data transmission from the smartphone while alsolimiting the power loss from the sampling. Low power wireless protocolmay generally extend the potential energizable duration of theophthalmic lens. Complementary wireless protocol profiles may limit theophthalmic lens to receive transmissions from the intended smartphone.

In some exemplary embodiments, the pairing may occur prior to use. Forexample, the ophthalmic lens may be preprogrammed to interact with aspecific smartphone, such as through use of application software thatmay be downloaded onto the intended smartphone. In other suchembodiments, the ophthalmic lens may include a serial authenticationcode or electronic pedigree (e-pedigree), which may be unique to aparticular ophthalmic lens or an ophthalmic lens pack. The unique codeidentifying the ophthalmic lens may vary depending on the serializationmethods associated with the brand or line of ophthalmic lenses.

The smartphone may be programmed to recognize a specific serial code. Insome exemplary embodiments, the user may program the smartphoneutilizing capture technology to scan or photograph a stock keeping unit(SKU) barcode or quick response (QR) bar code, which may be associatedwith the authentication serial number. In some such aspects, the SKU orQR barcode may be located on the packaging of the ophthalmic lens, forexample, on the individual blister package or on the box for multipleblisters packages, or other common packaging techniques. Initiating thepairing through interaction with the packaging may be preferable overdirect interaction with the ophthalmic lens as a means to reducecontamination of or damage to the ophthalmic lens or the eye.

In some exemplary embodiments, the scanned code may specify theidentifying attribute of the ophthalmic lens. The identification mayallow the smartphone to communicate specifically with the intendedophthalmic lens. For example, the scanned code may include theauthentication code, the Bluetooth profile, infrared wavelength, orinfrared signal pattern, depending on the wireless communicationtechnology.

Prior to a communication between the ophthalmic lens and a smartphone,the two devices may trade or recognize the serial authorization ore-pedigree, for example, through use of a radio frequency identificationsystem. In some exemplary embodiments, a smartphone event may triggerthe smartphone to transmit an identification or authorizationinterrogation to the ophthalmic lens. The interrogation may include all,part, or none of the authorization code. For example, the smartphone maytransmit the entire code, and, where the code matches the serial code ofthe ophthalmic lens, the lens may transmit a response, which may includethe serial code or recognition of the correct serial code.

Alternately, the interrogation may include a portion of the serial code,and the ophthalmic lens may respond with the remaining portion. Asuccessful string may permit further wireless communication. In stillfurther alternate exemplary embodiments, the interrogation may nottransmit any portion of the serial code but may prompt the ophthalmiclens to transmit the entire code. Where the smartphone verifies theserial code, wireless communication may continue, and where the serialcode does not match, wireless communication may be terminated.

In some exemplary embodiments, the pairing may occur entirely on eye,wherein a user or smartphone operator may place the smartphone inproximity to the ophthalmic lens. Utilizing a software application,including, for example, a downloadable mobile application or standardwireless software installed during manufacturing, the user may promptthe smartphone to scan for the wireless profile or protocol of theophthalmic lens. Such an initial scan may pair the smartphone to theophthalmic lens, for example, through infrared or Bluetooth technology.Future wireless communication may occur where the smartphone verifiesthe identity of the ophthalmic lens based on the pairing.

As an illustrative example, radio frequency identification (RFID) may beutilized as a means to verify the identity of the ophthalmic lens.Verification through RFID may not require the smartphone to be in theline of the sight of the ophthalmic lens. Such exemplary embodiments maylimit wireless communication to a specific range but not necessarily toa specific location. For example, the smartphone may be located in a bagor pocket, and wireless communication may still occur when thesmartphone is within range.

An RFID system may also allow for low power requirements foridentification exchange based on the type of tag and reader. In someexemplary embodiments, the ophthalmic lens may include a passive tag,wherein the ophthalmic lens may reply to interrogations from an activereader in the smartphone. Such an embodiment may conserve power withinthe ophthalmic lens. In some such aspects, the interrogation may promptthe ophthalmic lens to begin sampling the defined environment for thesmartphone event data. The ophthalmic lens may be inactive prior to theinterrogation, and the sampling may be deactivated after a specifiedamount of time to conserve energy, for example, when the authenticationcode is not verified.

Referring now to FIG. 3, exemplary embodiments of wireless communicationand control between a smartphone to an energizable ophthalmic lens on aneye are illustrated. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens 303 maycomprise a receiver 302 capable of receiving the smartphone event data306 and a notification mechanism 301 capable of notifying the user ofthe event. In a receiving step 300, a smartphone 305 may wirelesslytransmit the data 306 to the receiver 302.

In some exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmic lens 353 may furthercomprise a transmitter 352, which may be located in a similar positionwithin the ophthalmic lens 353 as the receiver 302. In a transmittingstep 350, the transmitter 352 may send response data 357 back to thesmartphone 355. The response data 357 may trigger an action in thesmartphone, including, for example, silencing a ringtone.

In some such embodiments, a verification step, similar to that describedwith respect to FIG. 2, may be preferable to confirm that the wirelesscommunication is between the designated ophthalmic lens 353 andsmartphone 355. The verification step may occur immediately before thetransmission of the response data 3557, which may limit misdirectedresponse cues. In other exemplary embodiments, the wirelesscommunication may be continuous throughout the occurrence of thesmartphone event, after the initial transmission of the smartphone eventdata 306. Where the wireless communication is continuous, a secondverification process may not be necessary to ensure the intendedwireless communication.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary flowchart is illustrated. At 400, apredefined smartphone event may occur. The predefined event may include,for example, a phone call, a calendar appointment, or an email. In someexemplary embodiments, at 402, the smartphone may transmit anauthorization interrogation, such as, described in FIG. 2, to theophthalmic lens, which may respond with an authorization code. In someexemplary embodiments, at 450, the ophthalmic lens may respond with anunauthorized code, and, at 455, no further wireless communication mayoccur.

Where the ophthalmic lens may respond with the authorized or paired codeat 405, the interrogation may pair the two devices prior to thetransmission of the smartphone data. In such event, at 410, thesmartphone may wirelessly transmit the event data to a receiver in theophthalmic lens, for example, those illustrated in FIG. 1. At 415, thetransmission may trigger an activation of the ophthalmic lens, which mayinclude, for example, a vibration or light notification.

In some exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmic lens may be capable ofreceiving data but may not transmit a response to the smartphone. Insome such embodiments, the activation may terminate based on a varietyof actions. At 420, the smartphone event may discontinue. Accordingly,the event transmission may discontinue, which may cause the activationto terminate at 425.

Alternately, the ophthalmic lens may further comprise a sensor controlmechanism, which the ophthalmic lens may recognize when a useracknowledges the activation at 430. For example, the sensor control maycomprise a blink detection mechanism, wherein a user may control theactivation through timed blinking or blink patterns. In such exemplaryembodiments, an acknowledgment at 430 may terminate the activation at435. An ophthalmic lens with sensor control may be preferable where thesmartphone events include more than notification of an incoming phonecall, which inherently has a time limit.

Referring to FIG. 5, an alternate flowchart is illustrated. In somealternate exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmic lens may be capable oftransmitting control data to the smartphone in response to a specificsmartphone event. The steps at 505-525 may be similar to the steps at400-425 in FIG. 4. At 505, a smartphone event may occur, and at 510, thesmartphone may transmit that data to a receiver in the ophthalmic lens.

Though not illustrated, the verification steps at 402, 405, 450 in FIG.4, may occur in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIG. 5.Similarly, where the verification fails, the wireless communication mayterminate prior to transmission of smartphone event data. Where theverification succeeds, at 515, the transmission may trigger activationin the ophthalmic lens. With some smartphone events, at 520, the eventmay discontinue, which may terminate the activation at 525.

Similar to the step at 430 in FIG. 4, a user may acknowledge theactivation, for example, through a blink detection mechanism. UnlikeFIG. 4, though, in some exemplary embodiments, the acknowledgement maycontrol more than the activation within the ophthalmic lens. In someexemplary embodiments, at 530, the user may acknowledge the activationand choose to ignore the event at 540, which may terminate activation545. The step at 540 may be internal to the ophthalmic lens and may notrequire communication with the smartphone.

Alternately, at 550, the user may respond to the event, wherein theresponse affects the smartphone. In such exemplary embodiments, theophthalmic lens may wirelessly interact with the smartphone in responseto the event. At 555, a transmitter in the ophthalmic lens may transmitthe response data to the smartphone. At 560, the transmission of theresponse data may trigger an action in the smartphone. At 565, theactivation of the ophthalmic lens may terminate. In some exemplaryembodiments, the activation may terminate at 565 when the ophthalmiclens transmits the response data.

In other exemplary embodiments, additional steps may occur to terminateactivation. For example, the termination at 565 may occur after thesmartphone confirms reception of the response data. Alternately, thetermination at 565 may occur after the response data triggers the actionin the smartphone.

As an illustrative example, the response sensor may comprise a blinkdetection mechanism, and the smartphone event may comprise an incomingphone call. An incoming call may trigger the ophthalmic lens to vibrate,and the user may respond by ignoring the call, silencing the ring,sending the call to voicemail, or answering the call on speakerphone.Ignoring the call may terminate the activation but may not affect thesmartphone, whereas the other three responses may be transmitted to thesmartphone. Each response may be associated with a specific blinkpattern.

Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary flowchart with method steps fornotifying a user of a smartphone event through use of an energizableophthalmic lens is illustrated. In some exemplary embodiments, at 600,the ophthalmic lens may receive an authorization or identificationinterrogation, for example, as described with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3,from a smartphone. The interrogation may allow for a verification stepprior to the transmission of the smartphone event data.

In some exemplary embodiments, at 605, the ophthalmic lens may samplethe environment for the wireless transmission of smartphone event data,as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2. The environment may be limitedto a specific range. Limiting the sampling range may conserve power.Some exemplary embodiments may initiate the sampling at 605 when aserial code is authenticated in response to the interrogation, at 600.The sampling may be terminated in some embodiments after a specifiedtime after the interrogation, at 600. Such embodiments may conservepower where the authentication may be unsuccessful.

At 610, the ophthalmic lens may receive the smartphone event data. Inresponse to the smartphone event data, at 615, the notificationmechanism may be activated. As described and illustrated in FIG. 2, thenotification may comprise, for example, visible light or vibration.

In some exemplary embodiments, at 620, the ophthalmic lens may detect aresponse to the notification from the user, wherein the response promptsa predefined action. In some aspects, the response data may promptinternal action. For example, at 630, the response data may deactivatethe notification mechanism. The deactivation at 630 may reinitiate thesampling at 605.

Alternately, the response data may prompt an action by the smartphone.In some such embodiments, at 625, the ophthalmic lens may wirelesslytransmit the response data to the smartphone. The transmission at 625may include or may combine with an identification code exchange betweenthe smartphone and the ophthalmic lens, similar to the step at 600. Inother aspects, wireless communication may be continuous throughout theduration of the smartphone event notification, wherein a verificationstep may not be necessary to ensure communication between the intendedsmartphone and ophthalmic lens.

The transmission of the response data at 625 may trigger an action inthe smartphone. For example, where the smartphone event comprises anincoming phone call, the response data may prompt the smartphone tosilence the ring or to send the call to voicemail. The deactivation ofthe notification mechanism at 630 may occur when the response data isdetects at 620 or when the response data is detected at 625.

Referring to FIG. 7, exemplary method steps for using an ophthalmic lenswith a smartphone notification mechanism is illustrated. At 705, theophthalmic lens may be placed on an eye. In some exemplary embodiments,at 710, the ophthalmic lens may be paired with the designated smartphoneutilizing technologies and techniques, for example, as described withrespect to FIG. 2. The pairing at 710 may occur prior to use. In someaspects of pairing, a user may prompt a smartphone to scan a QR or SKUcode associated with the ophthalmic lens, wherein the scanning mayidentify the ophthalmic lens and its respective wireless profiles. Forexample, where the wireless communication utilizes infrared technology,the scanning of a QR code may specify one or both the infraredwavelength and the signal pattern readable by the ophthalmic lens.

In other exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmic lens may be paired withthe smartphone while the ophthalmic lens is located on the eye and thesmartphone is located in proximity to the ophthalmic lens. In some suchembodiments, a user may operate a software application on thesmartphone, wherein the software application is capable of recognizingthe presence and wireless profile of the ophthalmic lens. For example, auser may prompt the smartphone to scan for Bluetooth profiles within apredefined area, and the user may select and designate the Bluetoothprofile associated with the ophthalmic lens.

At 715, a user may receive notification of the smartphone event. Thenotification may include a visible light indication, a sound alert, or avibration alert, such as those described with respect to FIGS. 1-3. Insome exemplary embodiments, at 720, the user may optionally respond tothe smartphone event notification. Some such aspects may allow the userto deactivate the notification, wherein the response does not require awireless transmission of the response to the smartphone. In someaspects, the user may be capable of controlling or triggering an actionin the smartphone, including, for example, silencing the ringtone oracknowledging a calendar event.

Materials for Insert Based Ophthalmic Lenses

In some exemplary embodiments, a lens type may be a lens that includes asilicone-containing component. A “silicone-containing component” is onethat contains at least one [—Si—O—] unit in a monomer, macromer, orprepolymer. Preferably, the total Si and attached O are present in thesilicone-containing component in an amount greater than about twenty(20) weight percent, and more preferably greater than thirty (30) weightpercent of the total molecular weight of the silicone-containingcomponent. Useful silicone-containing components preferably comprisepolymerizable functional groups such as acrylate, methacrylate,acrylamide, methacrylamide, vinyl, N-vinyl lactam, N-vinylamide, andstyryl functional groups.

In some exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmic lens skirt, whichsometimes may be called an insert encapsulating layer, that surroundsthe insert may be comprised of standard hydrogel lens formulations.Exemplary materials with characteristics that may provide an acceptablematch to numerous insert materials may include the Narafilcon family;including Narafilcon A and Narafilcon B. Alternately, the Etafilconfamily; including Etafilcon A may represent good exemplary materialchoices. A more technically inclusive discussion follows on the natureof materials consistent with the art herein, but it may be clear thatany materials that may form an acceptable enclosure or partial enclosureof the sealed and encapsulated inserts are consistent and included.

Suitable silicone containing components include compounds of Formula I

wherein R¹ is independently selected from monovalent reactive groups,monovalent alkyl groups, or monovalent aryl groups, any of the foregoingwhich may further comprise functionality selected from hydroxy, amino,oxa, carboxy, alkyl carboxy, alkoxy, amido, carbamate, carbonate,halogen or combinations thereof; and monovalent siloxane chainscomprising 1-100 Si—O repeat units which may further comprisefunctionality selected from alkyl, hydroxy, amino, oxa, carboxy, alkylcarboxy, alkoxy, amido, carbamate, halogen or combinations thereof;

wherein b=0 to 500, where it is understood that when b is other than 0,b is a distribution having a mode equal to a stated value;

wherein at least one R¹ comprises a monovalent reactive group, and insome embodiments between one and 3 R¹ comprise monovalent reactivegroups.

As used herein “monovalent reactive groups” are groups that can undergofree radical and/or cationic polymerization. Non-limiting examples offree radical reactive groups include (meth)acrylates, styryls, vinyls,vinyl ethers, C₁₋₆alkyl(meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylamides,C₁₋₆alkyl(meth)acrylamides, N-vinyllactams, N-vinylamides,C₂₋₁₂alkenyls, C₂₋₁₂alkenylphenyls, C₂₋₁₂alkenylnaphthyls,C₂₋₆alkenylphenylC₁₋₆alkyls, O-vinylcarbamates and O-vinylcarbonates.Non-limiting examples of cationic reactive groups include vinyl ethersor epoxide groups and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the freeradical reactive groups comprises (meth)acrylate, acryloxy,(meth)acrylamide, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable monovalent alkyl and aryl groups include unsubstitutedmonovalent C₁ to C₁₆alkyl groups, C₆-C₁₄ aryl groups, such assubstituted and unsubstituted methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl,2-hydroxypropyl, propoxypropyl, polyethyleneoxypropyl, combinationsthereof, and the like.

In one exemplary embodiment, b is zero, one R¹ is a monovalent reactivegroup, and at least 3 R¹ are selected from monovalent alkyl groupshaving one to sixteen (16) carbon atoms, and in another embodiment frommonovalent alkyl groups having one to six (6) carbon atoms. Non-limitingexamples of silicone components of this embodiment include2-methyl-,2-hydroxy-3-[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]disiloxanyl]propoxy]propylester (“SiGMA”),2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyloxypropyl-tris(trimethylsiloxy)silane,3-methacryloxypropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane (“TRIS”),3-methacryloxypropylbis(trimethylsiloxy)methylsilane and3-methacryloxypropylpentamethyl disiloxane.

In another exemplary embodiment, b is 2 to 20, 3 to 15 or in someexemplary embodiments 3 to 10; at least one terminal R¹ comprises amonovalent reactive group and the remaining R¹ are selected frommonovalent alkyl groups having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and in anotherembodiment from monovalent alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Inyet another exemplary embodiment, b is 3 to 15, one terminal R¹comprises a monovalent reactive group, the other terminal R¹ comprises amonovalent alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and the remaining R¹comprise monovalent alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Non-limitingexamples of silicone components of this embodiment include(mono-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyl)-propyl ether terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane (400-1000 MW)) (“OH-mPDMS”), monomethacryloxypropylterminated mono-n-butyl terminated polydimethylsiloxanes (800-1000 MW),(“mPDMS”).

In another exemplary embodiment, b is 5 to 400 or from 10 to 300, bothterminal R¹ comprise monovalent reactive groups and the remaining R¹ areindependently selected from monovalent alkyl groups having 1 to 18carbon atoms which may have ether linkages between carbon atoms and mayfurther comprise halogen.

In one exemplary embodiment, where a silicone hydrogel lens is desired,the lens of the present invention will be made from a reactive mixturecomprising at least about 20 and preferably between about 20 and 70weight percent silicone containing components based on total weight ofreactive monomer components from which the polymer is made.

In another exemplary embodiment, one to four R¹ comprises a vinylcarbonate or carbamate of the formula:

wherein, Y denotes O—, S— or NH—;

R denotes, hydrogen or methyl; d is 1, 2, 3, or 4; and q is 0 or 1.

The silicone-containing vinyl carbonate or vinyl carbamate monomersspecifically include:1,3-bis[4-(vinyloxycarbonyloxy)but-1-yl]tetramethyl-disiloxane;3-(vinyloxycarbonylthio)propyl-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silane];3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl allyl carbamate;3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl vinyl carbamate;trimethylsilylethyl vinyl carbonate; trimethylsilylmethyl vinylcarbonate, and

where biomedical devices with modulus below about 200 are desired, onlyone R¹ shall comprise a monovalent reactive group and no more than twoof the remaining R¹ groups will comprise monovalent siloxane groups.

Another class of silicone-containing components includes polyurethanemacromers of the following formulae:

(*D*A*D*G)_(a)*D*D*E¹;

E(*D*G*D*A)_(a)*D*G*D*E¹ or;

E(*D*A*D*G)_(a)*D*A*D*E¹  Formulae IV-VI

wherein:

D denotes an alkyl diradical, an alkyl cycloalkyl diradical, acycloalkyl diradical, an aryl diradical or an alkylaryl diradical having6 to 30 carbon atoms,

G denotes an alkyl diradical, a cycloalkyl diradical, an alkylcycloalkyl diradical, an aryl diradical or an alkylaryl diradical having1 to 40 carbon atoms and which may contain ether, thio or amine linkagesin the main chain;

* denotes a urethane or ureido linkage;

_(a) is at least 1;

A denotes a divalent polymeric radical of formula:

R¹¹ independently denotes an alkyl or fluoro-substituted alkyl grouphaving 1 to 10 carbon atoms that may contain ether linkages betweencarbon atoms; y is at least 1; and p provides a moiety weight of 400 to10,000; each of E and E¹ independently denotes a polymerizableunsaturated organic radical represented by formula:

Formula VIII

wherein: R¹² is hydrogen or methyl; R¹³ is hydrogen, an alkyl radicalhaving 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a —CO—Y—R¹⁵ radical wherein Y is —O—,Y—S— or —NH—; R¹⁴ is a divalent radical having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; Xdenotes —CO— or —OCO—; Z denotes —O— or —NH—; Ar denotes an aromaticradical having 6 to 30 carbon atoms; w is 0 to 6; x is 0 or 1; y is 0 or1; and z is 0 or 1.

A preferred silicone-containing component is a polyurethane macromerrepresented by the following formula:

wherein R¹⁶ is a diradical of a diisocyanate after removal of theisocyanate group, such as the diradical of isophorone diisocyanate.Another suitable silicone containing macromer is compound of formula X(in which x+y is a number in the range of 10 to 30) formed by thereaction of fluoroether, hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane,isophorone diisocyanate and isocyanatoethylmethacrylate.

Other silicone containing components suitable for use in the presentinvention include macromers containing polysiloxane, polyalkylene ether,diisocyanate, polyfluorinated hydrocarbon, polyfluorinated ether andpolysaccharide groups; polysiloxanes with a polar fluorinated graft orside group having a hydrogen atom attached to a terminaldifluoro-substituted carbon atom; hydrophilic siloxanyl methacrylatescontaining ether and siloxanyl linkanges and crosslinkable monomerscontaining polyether and polysiloxanyl groups. Any of the foregoingpolysiloxanes may also be used as the silicone-containing component inthis invention.

The present invention, as described above and as further defined by theclaims below, provides methods of notifying a user of a smartphone eventthrough use of an energizable ophthalmic lens. In some exemplaryembodiments, the smartphone may be paired with a specified ophthalmiclens, wherein the pairing may limit wireless communication tocommunication between the two specified devices. The smartphone maytransmit smartphone event data, which may activate an indicator in theophthalmic lens. In some exemplary embodiments, the user may respond tothe notification of the smartphone event. The response may trigger aninternal action within the ophthalmic lens, or the response may betransmitted to the smartphone, triggering an action in the smartphone.The present invention further describes a method of using an ophthalmiclens with a smartphone event indicator, including methods of pairing anophthalmic lens with the specified smartphone.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of notifying a user of a smartphoneevent, wherein an energizable ophthalmic lens is capable of thenotifying, the method comprising the steps of: wirelessly receiving, atan energizable ophthalmic lens, a transmission of smartphone event datafrom a predefined source smartphone, wherein the energizable ophthalmiclens comprises: a notification mechanism capable of notifying a user ofa smartphone event; a receiver capable of wirelessly receivingsmartphone event data, wherein the receiver is in electricalcommunication with the notification mechanism; conductive traces capableof electrically connecting the notification mechanism and the receiver;and a soft lens portion capable of encapsulating the notificationmechanism and the receiver; activating the notification mechanism basedon the transmission of smartphone event data; and deactivating thenotification mechanism.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theenergizable ophthalmic lens further comprises: a power source, whereinthe conductive traces are capable of electrically connecting the powersource with the notification mechanism; and a processor in electricalcommunication with the power source and the energizable element, whereinthe processor is capable of controlling the energizable element.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the transmission of smartphone event data iscontinuous throughout the occurrence of the smartphone event.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the notification mechanism comprises a lightsource, wherein the light source is visible to the user when thenotification mechanism is activated.
 5. The method of claim 2 furthercomprising the method steps of sampling an environment within apredefined range for the transmission of the smartphone event data,wherein the processor is capable of controlling the sampling.
 6. Themethod of claim 2 further comprising the method steps of: wirelesslyreceiving a verification interrogation from the predefined sourcesmartphone, wherein the verification interrogation requests anauthorization response from the ophthalmic lens; and wirelesslytransmitting the authorization response to the predefined sourcesmartphone.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein the energizable ophthalmiclens further comprises a sensor capable of detecting a user response tothe notification, wherein the sensor is in electrical communication withthe notification mechanism, and wherein the method further comprises themethod step of detecting response data, wherein the detection triggersdeactivation of the notification mechanism.
 8. The method of claim 3,wherein the activation is continuous throughout the transmission.
 9. Themethod of claim 6 further comprising the method steps of initiatingwireless communication between the energizable ophthalmic lens and thepredefined source smartphone, wherein the initiating occurs when orafter the sampling recognizes the transmission of the smartphone eventdata.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the predefined sourcesmartphone recognizes the authorization response, and wherein the methodfurther comprises the method step of initiating wireless communicationbetween the energizable ophthalmic lens and the predefined sourcesmartphone.
 11. The method of claim 6, wherein the predefined sourcesmartphone fails to recognize the authorization response, and whereinthe method further comprises the method steps of terminating wirelesscommunication between the energizable ophthalmic lens and the predefinedsource smartphone.
 12. The method of claim 6, wherein the predefinedsource smartphone further comprises a reader device capable oftransmitting the verification interrogation, wherein the ophthalmic lensfurther comprises a tag device capable of transmitting the authorizationresponse, and wherein the reader device and the tag device comprise aradio frequency identification system.
 13. The method of claim 7,wherein the energizable ophthalmic lens further comprises a transmittercapable of wirelessly transmitting response data, and the method furthercomprises the method steps of wirelessly transmitting response data tothe source of the smartphone event data, wherein the transmitting of theresponse data is capable of triggering a predefined response action. 14.A method of using an energizable ophthalmic lens capable of notifyingthe user of a smartphone event, wherein the method comprises the methodsteps of: placing the energizable ophthalmic lens on an eye, wherein theenergizable ophthalmic lens comprises: a notification mechanism capableof notifying a user of the smartphone event; a receiver capable ofwirelessly receiving smartphone event data, wherein the receiver is inelectrical communication with the notification mechanism; conductivetraces capable of electrically connecting the notification mechanism andthe receiver; and a soft lens portion capable of encapsulating thenotification mechanism and the receiver; and receiving a smartphoneevent notification.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the ophthalmiclens further comprises a sensor in electrical communication with theprocessor, and wherein the method further comprises the step ofresponding to the smartphone event notification, wherein the sensor iscapable of detecting the response, and wherein the processor is capableof generating response data based on the response.
 16. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising the steps of pairing the energizableophthalmic lens with the predefined source smartphone, wherein thepairing designates the energizable ophthalmic lens as a recipient of thesmartphone event data and the predefined source smartphone as the sourceof the smartphone event data.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein theresponding triggers a deactivation of the notification mechanism. 18.The method of claim 15, wherein the responding triggers a predefinedaction in the predefined source smartphone.
 19. The method of claim 16,wherein the pairing occurs prior to the placing of the ophthalmic lenson the eye.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the pairing comprisesthe method steps of: placing the energizable ophthalmic lens inproximity to the predefined source smartphone; initiating wirelesscommunication between the energizable ophthalmic lens and the predefinedsource smartphone; triggering an interrogation from the predefinedsource smartphone to the energizable ophthalmic lens, wherein theinterrogation is capable of identifying the energizable; and confirmingthe identification, wherein the confirming establishes the pairing.